9/11 Attacks Forced Star Trek: Elite Force 2 to Scrap Original Plot

Key points

• Star Trek: Elite Force 2 originally featured a scene where a shuttle flew into a building at Starfleet Academy, but this was removed after 9/11.
• Lead scripter Benson Russell confirmed the plot changes in a recent interview, stating the original content was cut for understandable reasons.
• The game, released in June 2002, became a fan favorite despite being a commercial flop at the time.
• Grand Theft Auto 3 also had to make changes after 9/11, including altering police car designs and cover art, which influenced future GTA covers.

Background

Star Trek: Elite Force 2 was a first-person shooter released in June 2002, featuring a mix of puzzles, action, and dialogue. It was a commercial flop but has since become a fan favorite. The game's development was impacted by the September 11 attacks, leading to significant plot changes. Grand Theft Auto 3, released in 2001, also had to make changes after 9/11, including altering police car designs and cover art, which influenced future GTA covers.

Why it matters

The story of Star Trek: Elite Force 2 highlights how real-world events can impact creative works, even in the gaming industry. The changes made to the game's plot and the similar adjustments to Grand Theft Auto 3 demonstrate the sensitivity and responsibility developers had to navigate in the aftermath of 9/11. These changes also had long-term impacts, such as the iconic cover art of GTA 3 that influenced future releases.

What to watch

There are no immediate next steps mentioned in the sources. The article primarily discusses historical changes made to Star Trek: Elite Force 2 and Grand Theft Auto 3 in the aftermath of 9/11. Future developments are not indicated.